What to Expect in Therapy

Each experience has its own velocity according to which it wants to be lived if it is to be new, profound, and fruitful. To have wisdom means to discover this velocity in each individual case.

- Rainer Maria Rilke, The Poet's Guide to Life

Your experience of therapy will be unique to you and, yet, it is still important for you to know, in general, what to expect. The information below describes my therapeutic philosophy and what therapy with me is like. If you have a question that I have not answered here, you can also read about what therapy can do for you or refer to other frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapy.

My Professional Philosophy

As a psychotherapist oriented in depth psychology, I believe that approaching life's challenges with curiosity and a desire for deeper understanding unlocks their ability to transform and renew you. I see therapy as a process of not only discovering meaningful truths in your issues and questions, but also reconnecting with the amazing depths, wisdom, and potential of your greater self.

The Therapeutic Process

In our work together, we will explore your experiences with a gentle curiosity toward what lies unseen and marginalized on the fringes. I will encourage and help you to gradually stretch yourself—to start sensing and expressing things you hadn't noticed; to start becoming more comfortable with difficult emotions and thoughts; to consider dreams and other unexpected sources of insight; and to generally begin hearing and trusting your ever-present inner wisdom. We will give full consideration to all that arises as meaningful road signs to wholeness. And I will always provide a confidential, safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where you can have these experiences as you feel ready to do so.

This process of exploration and expanding your experiences and awareness will allow us to create a unique therapy that is exactly the right process for you, and it can help you in many different ways.

The Therapeutic Relationship

Given the intimate nature of therapeutic work, it might not surprise you that the therapeutic relationship is the foundation for what happens in psychotherapy. This means that the therapeutic process depends on the right fit between us and that we should feel comfortable with each other. I will strive to provide a space where you can fully express yourself, where you feel respected and all your thoughts, feelings, and experiences are welcome. And I will, in return, strive to be genuine with you.

Length of Therapy

Some people choose to spend multiple years in therapy, using it as a tool for exploring themselves and reshaping their lives; others want more targeted therapy, focusing on one or two specific issues. Both approaches can be helpful and facilitate growth. In your first session, we will talk about what you want to gain from therapy. These goals will be the guiding factor in beginning our work, and in the course of therapy, we will discuss how you are feeling about our progress on these goals. The decision about when to conclude therapy will depend on your overall desire to continue and whether you want to work on other things that come up in the course of our work. I believe that the decision to end therapy is just as important as the decision to begin it, and I will encourage our discussion of this topic as much as any other.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of psychotherapy. I will treat with great care all information you share with me, and it is your right that our sessions and my records about you be kept private. In all but a few rare situations, your confidentiality is protected by state law, the rules of my profession, and my personal integrity. For information about the exceptions to confidentiality, you can read the first page of my Informed Consent form. And please know that I will never disclose your information for any reason without your knowing of my intent.

The Supervisory Relationship

As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Intern, I work under supervision and meet with my supervisor weekly. This supervision is a requirement of the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. It is also a source of mentoring and inspiration. Through supervision, I gain new perspectives and grow as a therapist. My supervisor upholds the same confidentiality agreement I do, treating all that I share with absolute privacy and respect.